W.H. Auden

Anthropologists describe human interactions from what is called the “Participant Observer” mode. The late anthropologist, Gregory Bateson, who I studied with and admired, would have himself filmed as he filmed his field work. This would provide a context for anyone viewing his work. It included the observer and whatever influences contributed to his ultimate findings.(For further information regarding Gregory Bateson, see Nora Bateson’s film “An Ecology of Mind” http://www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/emind.html and https://batesoninstitute.org/ )

I grew up in Paterson, a very red brick working class city in northern New Jersey, surrounded by neighbors mostly of European and African American backgrounds…

Illumination Curated Poetry

action is louder than words

“time” as a noun is defined as the indefinite continued progress of existence. E.g. time is a solace.

as a verb, when (something) should happen or be done. I e. solace with family is timed for tomorrow.

i am intrigued by how life can be improved by using less nouns

which always creates static labels,

whereas verbs live in the world of context

where we have room to question and grow,

take our word “ time”

its purpose is facts

a word void of a thing

little to do with relationship opportunities,

while verbs avoid…

Illumination Curated: Alternative Healing

“Homeopathy avoids anything that is even the slightest bit debilitating”

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann

As part of a decision to live a life with a strong respect for communication, collaboration and seeing things systemically, it makes sense to consider a health maintenance perspective such as Homeopathy. Homeopathy emanates from nature and is a wonderful example of holistic healing. It was founded by the German physician, Samuel Hahnemann, in the 19th century. Hahnemann was a renaissance man who spoke numerous languages and would stay up all night every other evening to acquire knowledge. Hahnemann’s system of healing has weathered nearly 200 years…

Illumination Poem

The inconsistency yet predictable bay shoreline on the outer cape was always an induction for me of an unfolding collage of memories and mixed thoughts of simultaneously vivid vignettes, a kind of holographic roulette wheel,

in synchrony with the moon’s on time tidal onsets that when it gracefully withdraws it leaves a rearrangement of assorted pieces of hidden possibilities, smooth stones, assorted sea weed configurations with an occasional reminder of what humans are capable of leaving behind. What swirling processing trance like pieces that would arise from the yin yang pendulum of this punctual movement depended on my immediate emotional…

“One ought every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words” — Goethe

It is my feeling that paradoxes are the essence of the “yin-yang” of life. Our world can be wonderful, and it can be ugly. I recently watched a late-night documentary on wild animals. A scene of cute cubs juxtaposed with predators vanquishing the offspring was hard to watch. Yet somehow nature’s vision seemed awesome in its unifying entirety. …

Creating a life well-lived

“It takes a long time to become young”

Pablo Picasso

“Next time you’re found with your chin on the ground, there is a lot to be learned, so look around.”

Frank Sinatra (From the song “High Hopes”)

There are many barriers that keep us out of sync with nature, which causes immense harm and, in most cases, can be prevented. For example, how do we address what the American Medical Association is now officially recognizing, that stress is the origin of nearly all chronic illnesses necessitating hospital admissions. …